Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Fifth Edition
Second Revision
May 2011
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Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition May 2011
PREFACE
PREFACE
Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) provides retail gas and electric service in a defined service territory
in and around the Metro Louisville, Kentucky area. The Customer Gas Piping Handbook is intended to address
natural gas service issues within the prescribed service territory. A separate document, “Electric Service
Handbook”, details the requirements for electric service.
In addition, this handbook includes standards pertaining to Customers’ house piping and appliance installation in
the interest of uniform and safe operations. The standards for new house piping and appliance installation are
generally applicable for replacement or relocation of existing facilities.
By publishing this handbook, LG&E does not assume liability or responsibility for house piping, appliance
installation, or appliance operation. LG&E maintains the right to refuse to supply gas to piping or appliances that
are installed or operated in a potentially unsafe manner. In addition, LG&E is not responsible for continuing
inspection or surveillance of Customers’ house piping, appliances, or appliance operation.
LG&E reserves the right to modify the requirements found in this handbook or any of its service policies,
procedures and/or standards at any time. It is the responsibility of the Customer to ensure that any
reference document is the version currently approved for use by LG&E. It is also the responsibility of the
Customer to notify LG&E of any changes to natural gas facilities that may affect the safety or natural gas
system performance.
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Personal Safety
Using Natural Gas Safely
It is important that users know how to safely use natural gas and care for natural gas appliances. One of the first
steps to prevent accidents is to ensure that natural gas appliances and equipment have been properly installed,
adjusted, vented and inspected. Appliances should be installed, serviced and repaired by professionals.
Follow manufacturers’ instructions for the installation, operation and maintenance of gas equipment and
appliances.
Never use a kitchen range to heat a room. This action can damage the range and produce dangerous carbon
monoxide (CO) gas. In addition, top burners should not be used for space heating; such usage can be a fire
hazard.
Since burning natural gas produces a high radiant heat, keep flammable materials (e.g., cloth, paper, paints,
and solvents) away from appliances.
Provide proper ventilation in areas around furnaces, water heaters, dryers, ranges, etc.
Have routine maintenance performed on appliances to keep them clean and in proper working order.
Keep natural gas kitchen ranges clean. Rinse and dry the burners before reinstalling. Be careful not to
damage or change the settings on the range burners’ air shutters or sleeves.
Ensure that all vents and chimneys are free from blockage.
Maintain the gas lines that are located inside and outside the house to prevent leaks. The gas service lines
buried from the property line to the house and all house line piping within the house are the responsibility of
the property owner. LG&E will periodically survey all outside piping for leaks and will advise you if any
maintenance is required on your portion of the service line. LG&E will also inform you of any corrosion that is
discovered on any outside piping that is exposed to the weather and advise you to paint the affected area.
Contact the Kentucky Dig Safely, also known as “BUD” (Before You Dig), at (800) 752-6007 to determine the
location of utility-owned service lines (including LG&E’s natural gas lines) before you begin any yard
excavation. This is a free service offered by Kentucky Dig Safely.
Do not operate any electrical switches, equipment or appliances or use open flames if you smell a natural gas
odor. Leaking natural gas can ignite.
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Every family member should know how to find and turn off the natural gas shut-off valve at the meter. This valve
should be closed only in the event of a natural gas emergency in your home. If you turn off the shut-off valve, do
not turn it on again. Call LG&E at (502) 589-5511 (outside Louisville at (800) 331-7370), and let us re-establish
your gas service for you.
Teach small children to stay away from the gas range and gas-burning appliances.
Do not let children play or climb on the meter piping on the outside of the house; do not allow them to swing
from or play with pipes leading to water heaters or ranges.
Practice safety drills for getting the family out of the house at night in case of a natural gas emergency or any
other emergency such as a fire.
If you smell gas and cannot find the source(s), immediately go to a location where no natural gas odor exists,
such as a neighbor’s house, and call LG&E at (502) 589-5511 (outside Louisville at (800) 331-7370). A spark
from using a telephone or cellular telephone inside the house could ignite the gas.
If the odor is faint, get everyone outside and leave doors and windows open to ventilate the area. A faint odor
of gas may mean that a pilot light has gone out and should be re-lit.
Never use a telephone or cellular telephone, switch a light on or off, or light a match if you smell natural gas.
Never look for a natural gas leak with a lighted flame or match.
Natural gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless. As a safety precaution, a chemical called Mercaptan is
added to natural gas. This chemical provides a distinctive odor that will alert persons to a potential safety
hazard. Mercaptan has the smell of rotten eggs. Odors that are sometimes mistaken for natural gas can
come from a variety of sources, such as petroleum products (especially gasoline), marsh gas, sewer gas, and
industrial gases.
Natural gas is not toxic (i.e., poisonous). No health hazards exist from the exposure to natural gas. However,
if present in sufficient quantities to displace the oxygen in the air, it can cause drowsiness and eventual
suffocation due to lack of oxygen.
Natural gas is lighter than air. When released in an open space, natural gas will rise and diffuse rapidly. If
confined in a closed space, natural gas will rise to the highest level. The air in the space will be displaced
from the top downward. Therefore, to ventilate a room, windows should be open from the top and bottom
portions of the room.
To burn or explode, natural gas must mix with air in the proper amount (i.e., 4% to 15% natural gas to air) and
be ignited at an ignition point of 1,100oF – 1,200oF. This ignition point is reached by pilot lights, flint sparks,
matches, sparks from electrical switches and motors, or electrostatic sparks.
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A properly burning natural gas flame will have a crisp blue color. If natural gas is burned without enough air, it
may produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas. A person exposed to carbon monoxide may complain of
dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms.
Natural gas should not be confused with liquefied petroleum gas. Liquefied
petroleum gas is more commonly called L.P., bottle gas, propane, butane, and
various other trade names. It is heavier than air and collects in low places
when not confined.
Meter Tampering
Individuals, who tamper with natural gas meters and piping to make it show less consumption, or bypassing the
meter entirely, endanger their own lives. They also risk the lives of their family and neighbors. Meter tampering
can create a dangerous situation that can lead to serious and sometimes fatal injury from fire or explosion.
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EXCAVATION SAFETY
Call Before You Dig!
Call Before You Dig! is the answer to the continuing problem of damage to underground facilities. Kentucky
Dig Safely provides a communication link between excavators and operators of underground utilities. Kentucky
Dig Safely is a non-profit organization made up of owners and operators of underground facilities in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky.
IN KENTUCKY
CALL BEFORE
YOU DIG….
IT’S THE LAW
Toll free
1-800-752-6007
or
502-266-5123
in Louisville metro calling area
or
www.kydigsafely.org
Please call Kentucky Dig Safely at least two business days and not more than ten business days prior to your
planned excavation with the information listed below. There is no cost to the caller!
Dig site location: County, nearest city, inside/outside city limits, street name or highway name, address
number, the nearest cross street intersection or other description if address is not available.
Digging information: Type of work, depth of dig, location within property or right-of-way, method of excavation.
In turn, Kentucky Dig Safely will contact its member companies for you to have the underground facilities located in
the vicinity of your planned excavation. In addition, they will advise you as to what utilities will be notified, and will
provide you with a request number for your reference and documentation.
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Pressure test the house line piping. In accordance with Subsection 5.9.1, house line piping should be
pressure tested to detect leaks prior to contacting LG&E for service connection. Note: LG&E will not provide
natural gas service to house line piping that is leaking.
Make sure that the house line piping is ready. In accordance with Subsection 2.1.8 a. iii., to qualify for
natural gas service, the house line piping system must be extended to an operable natural gas burning
appliance(s) or to a plugged valve(s) at the proposed appliance(s) locations. In addition, the house line piping
should be pressure tested to detect any leaks on the piping system.
Avoid damaging the tracer wire. In accordance with Subsection 3.11.1, care must be taken to avoid
damage to the tracing wire during placement and compaction of backfill.
Use a clamp on the service riser. In accordance with Subsection 3.16.1 b., the service riser must be
securely supported using split ring clamps or substantial mounting brackets in accordance with the applicable
meter loop drawing. Polyethylene pipe or flexible riser casing must not be relied upon to contribute to the
support of the meter setting.
Make sure that the meter loop is not installed too low (i.e., service head adapter below grade). In
accordance with Drawing Nos. GSC – 30-20-004, GSC – 30-20-005, and GSC – 30-20-006, the meter loop
shall be installed such that the bottom of service head adapter is either at a minimum of six inches (6”) or a
maximum of twelve inches (12”) above grade.
Install a shutoff valve on the house line piping going to a fireplace that is designed to burn wood or
other solid fuel. In accordance with Subsection 5.2.3, the shutoff valve shall be located outside of the
firebox and accessible in the same room. This valve is not a part of the fireplace. If corrugated stainless steel
tubing (CSST) is used, the valve must be installed at the end of the CSST piping so that only steel fittings are
used to actually connect the fireplace. In addition, this valve should be installed so that it is accessible at all
times, even if it is in the basement.
Be present to allow LG&E personnel access to natural gas appliances for the activation of gas
service. To activate natural gas service for new service connection, service replacement, houseline repair,
etc., LG&E needs access to all gas appliances. It is imperative that the Customer be present to grant access
to the premises.
Allow adequate time for LG&E to get utility locates. In accordance with the Excavation Safety section,
LG&E is required to provide prior notification for planned excavation work. Thus, if LG&E needs to excavate
to provide gas service, it will need to wait two full business days for other utility companies to locate and mark
their buried utilities with color-coded paint, flags or stakes.
Provide a two foot by four foot (2’ x 4’) excavation hole at the property line for new or replacement
service lines. In accordance with Section 3.2.2 a. ii. and 3.2.2 b., Customers are required excavate a 2’ x 4’
hole for new or replacement service lines.
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Enhanced the natural gas safety information by adding meter tampering information.
Revised and enhance new service installation process. Refer to Section 2.1 – Customer/Contractor Steps for
New Service Installation.
Clarified Customers’ responsibility for providing a two foot by four foot (2’ x 4’) excavation hole at the property
line for new or replacement service lines. Refer to Section 3.2.2 a. ii. and 3.2.2 b.
Add ½” CTS polyethylene pipe as an option when inserting through existing ¾” steel service lines. Refer to
Section 3.9.4.
Clarified the number of services for a common building on separately deeded parcels. Refer to Section
3.14.3.
Enhance information related to the repair or replacement of service line, meter loop or manifold piping. Refer
to Section 3.17.
Change the diversified operation requirement from 400,000 BTUH to 375,000 BTUH. Refer to Sections 4.1.2,
4.5.1 b. ii and 4.5.1. b. iii.
Clarified the shutoff valve requirements for fireplaces. Refer to Section 5.2.3.
Added comments for the use of Tables 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3.
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No significant changes.
GCS – 40-20-003 – 2.5 PSIG Residential Gas Regulator Installation For Gas Pool Heaters/Gas Fired
Generators
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LOUISVILLE GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY ..................................................................................................................1
PREFACE .........................................................................................................................................................................2
PREFACE .........................................................................................................................................................................2
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GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
The Louisville Gas and Electric Company, referred to herein as "LG&E,” desires to cooperate with all
concerned parties to further the proper installation and use of natural gas. To achieve this goal, the
Customer Gas Piping Handbook was created to provide information to gas customers and potential gas
customers regarding the installation and operation of gas piping and appliances. Gas customer, referred
to herein as “Customer,” is used to address the party responsible for meeting the requirements of this
handbook. While the Customer’s mechanical contractor, plumber and/or builder will in practice utilize this
information the most, the Customer is ultimately responsible for meeting the requirements of this
handbook. However, LG&E representatives are available to assist Customers in complying with
requirements of this handbook.
1.2 Scope
This handbook provides specifications and construction standards for the installation of service lines and
Customer metering facilities. It also provides guidance for the installation of house lines and gas
appliances for single-family and multi-unit dwellings with individual meters and for small commercial and
industrial customers served with natural gas from LG&E. In addition, it meets or exceeds not only the
Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) regulations but also the NFPA 54 (National Fuel Gas
Code), Kentucky Uniform Building Code, and other relevant publications. However, the information
contained herein does not preempt any of the rules, codes or regulations contained in the aforementioned
publications. It is the Customer’s responsibility to notify LG&E of any conflict between this handbook and
the requirements of any of the above publications.
All natural gas service supplied by LG&E is provided in accordance with the applicable rates, rules, and
regulations of the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC), http://www.psc.state.ky.us/, and
Louisville Gas and Electric Company http://www.lge-ku.com.
The administrative rules of the KPSC can be found in the document Kentucky Administrative
Regulations Pertaining to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, Title 807, and Chapter 7 –
Utilities. This document is available for public inspection at the Commission, on the KPSC Internet site
(above), at LG&E’s Customer Service Center at 701 South Ninth Street in Louisville, Kentucky, and also
at the LG&E Internet site (above). This document establishes general rules and regulations for all types
of public utility service (water, gas, electric, telephone, etc.) that fall under the jurisdiction of KPSC.
Specific sections of this document apply to gas service.
LG&E’s rates and requirements for natural gas service are documented in Louisville Gas and Electric
Company Rates, Terms and Conditions for Furnishing Natural Gas Service. This document sets out
specific rates and requirements for natural gas service provided by LG&E within the defined LG&E
service territory.
NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code covers, in general, the design, alteration, modification, construction,
maintenance and testing of utilization (i.e., non-utility) house line piping. The National Fuel Gas Code
generally covers all aspects of natural gas piping beyond the outlet of the meter. (National Fire Protection
Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169.)
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Kentucky Building Code establishes rules that are intended to establish a uniform building code in the
State of Kentucky (Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, 1047 US HWY 127 South, Bay 1,
Frankfort, KY 40601-7811, web site: http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/cppr/dhbc).
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1.5 Definitions
1.5.1 Appliance (Gas Appliance) – Any device that utilizes natural gas as a fuel or raw material to produce
light, heat, power, refrigeration, or air conditioning.
1.5.2 Approved Gas Valve – A natural gas valve that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of
applicable federal, state, and local codes and regulations.
1.5.3 BTU – British Thermal Unit. A measure of heat energy. One BTU is the quantity of heat that will raise the
temperature of one pound of distilled water by one degree Fahrenheit (1oF) at 70 degrees Fahrenheit
(70oF).
1.5.4 BTUH Input Rating – The heat energy input, in terms of BTU per hour, required to properly operate a
gas-burning appliance. The amount of natural gas needed to operate the appliance is determined by the
BTU input rating. One standard cubic foot of natural gas will produce slightly over 1,000 BTUs in normal
efficient combustion.
1.5.5 Cathodically Protected Piping – Underground coated steel piping that has cathodic protection applied
to retard corrosion. The cathodic protection can be provided by the use of galvanic anodes, such as
magnesium anodes.
1.5.6 Company – When used herein, refers to Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E), a wholly owned
subsidiary of LG&E and KU Energy LLC.
1.5.7 Company’s Service Connection – Piping from LG&E's gas main to a point within one foot of the
Customer's property line or easement line, adjacent to the main, for the purpose of supplying gas to the
Customer's service line.
1.5.8 Corrosion Prevention – Measures taken to prevent corrosion and prolong the life of buried metallic
piping, and aboveground piping exposed to weather or a corrosive environment.
1.5.9 CSST – Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing. Gas house piping systems incorporating corrugated
stainless steel tubing and custom designed fittings are for use above ground only. In order to be
acceptable under code requirements, each installer must be certified as trained by the agent(s) or
manufacturer(s) of system(s) being used and must be trained on all installation requirements of that
manufacturer.
1.5.10 CTS – Copper Tube Size. The size convention used to describe the size of polyethylene gas piping in
terms of standard copper tubing. The actual outside diameter of CTS-sized tubing is one-eighth inch
(0.125") larger than the nominal CTS.
1.5.11 Customer Contribution – The amount of money that the Customer has to contribute to obtain natural gas
service. A Customer contribution may be required when a pipeline must be either extended or tapped to
provide service to the Customer.
1.5.12 Customer Service Line – Piping installed by the Customer from LG&E's service connection to the inlet
side of the gas meter.
1.5.13 Houseline – Piping installed by the Customer from the outlet of the gas meter to all appliance and
equipment connections. This definition includes piping installed underground or aboveground beyond the
outlet of the meter.
1.5.14 IPS – Iron Pipe Size. The size convention used to describe the size of polyethylene gas pipe in terms of
nominal steel pipe of the same outside diameter.
1.5.15 Listed – Material and equipment certified to meet the quality and performance standards specified by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory or quality assurance organization.
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1.5.16 Low, Elevated, Medium, And High Pressure – LG&E's classifications of operating pressures in the gas
mains throughout its gas system are as follows:
a. Low Pressure – The system operating pressure is essentially the same as the pressure delivered to
each Customer’s meter and house line (i.e., 0.25 PSIG (7 inches Water Column)).
b. Elevated Pressure – LG&E’s elevated pressure systems operate at 2.0 PSIG at their sources of gas
supply. A pressure regulator is required ahead of each Customer’s meter to maintain a constant
standard delivery pressure of 0.25 PSIG (i.e., 4 ounces per square inch or 7 inches Water Column).
c. Medium Pressure – LG&E’s medium pressure systems operate at pressures higher than 2.0 PSIG
up to 60 PSIG. LG&E has several medium pressure systems operating at different pressures. A
pressure regulator is required ahead of each Customer’s meter to maintain a constant delivery
pressure that is normally the standard 0.25 PSIG. Higher delivery pressure can be delivered to the
Customer if necessary, limited by the characteristics and operating restraints for the particular
medium pressure system.
d. High Pressure – LG&E’s designation for high pressure includes any gas transmission system or
distribution system that is subject to operation at over 60 PSIG. A pressure regulator is required
ahead of each Customer’s meter to maintain a constant delivery pressure that may be the standard
0.25 PSIG or higher if necessary.
1.5.17 Main – Gas system piping located in a public highway, street, alley, or private easement that is used to
distribute gas.
1.5.18 Meter Loop – Piping provided by the Customer to accommodate the installation of the gas meter(s).
1.5.19 PSIG – Pounds per Square Inch Gauge. A standard unit of measurement for describing the pressure of
gas or liquid.
1.5.20 SDR – Standard Dimensional Ratio. A numerical term used to describe the wall thickness of
polyethylene pipe. SDR is derived by dividing the actual outside diameter of the pipe by the wall
thickness and is an indication of the strength of the pipe.
1.5.21 Service Head Adapter – A transition fitting that adapts polyethylene gas pipe to steel pipe, in a manner
in which the polyethylene pipe is shielded against damage from physical force and solar radiation, with all
pressure containing metallic components located above ground.
1.5.22 Standard Delivery Pressure – The gas pressure normally delivered to residential and small commercial
Customers, which is approximately four ounces (4 oz) per square inch, seven inches (7”) of Water
Column, or 0.25 PSIG.
1.5.23 Tamperproof Gas Valve – A gas valve in which the core cannot be easily removed, either accidentally or
intentionally, with ordinary hand tools.
1.5.24 Total Connected Load – The total heat input in BTUH for all gas burning appliances and equipment
installed.
1.5.25 W.C. – Water column pressure. A standard unit of measurement for describing the pressure that is
expressed in terms of a water depth exerting an equivalent force. Typical gas pressure delivered to
Customer's house piping is seven inches (7") W.C., which is approximately 0.25 PSIG. The loss in gas
pressure that results from gas flowing through a piping system is generally expressed in inches of W.C.
drop.
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QUICK STEPS
2.1.1 Confirm the availability of natural gas. In addition, the availability of the
required pressure and/or capacity should be verified. Note: High BTUH rating
appliances, such as generators, “instant” hot water heaters, etc., may require
pressures that are above LG&E’s normal delivery pressure of 4 oz. (i.e., 0.25
PSIG) and/or capacities of a typical house line or natural gas meter.
2.1.2 Confirm any Customer contributions for pro-rata mains or main extensions, if
applicable.
2.1.3 For commercial or industrial Customers, provide customer usage and site data
to LG&E’s Account Manager, if applicable.
2.1.5 Sign the service contract and pay any amounts due for Customer contributions,
if applicable. If a service contract is applicable, no service work can be
performed by LG&E before this step is done.
2.1.7 Install all required Customer provided facilities (e.g., the customer service line)
in accordance with the Customer Gas Piping Handbook.
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i. No Meter Exists
1) Before installing a new gas service, residential and commercial Customers should
contact a LG&E Service Representative to verify the availability of natural gas at the
required pressure and capacity, and to determine if any Customer contributions are
applicable. A Service Representative may be reached at (502) 627-3740.
2) Installers or Customers will be required to provide the Service Representative with their
complete address including the zip code and the lot number (for new construction) and
information concerning their gas loads.
If installing furnaces, generators, swimming pool heaters, or other gas appliances of a high BTUH
rating to an existing gas service, residential and commercial Customers should contact the LG&E
Commercial Service Designer to verify that the gas main, service line and meter have sufficient
pressure and/or capacity to supply the gas load. The LG&E Commercial Service Designer may
be reached at (502) 364-8275.
Special provisions apply for total connected loads of more than 500,000 BTUH served by any single
meter. For service line and meter installation specifications and requirements, the LG&E Commercial
Service Designer should be contacted at (502) 364-8275.
a. No Meter Exists
b. Meter Exists
For Customers with existing natural gas meters, no Customer contributions are required.
a. Residential
b. Commercial
i. No Meter Exists
a) Commercial Customers should be prepared to provide the information listed below. This step
is not applicable to residential Customers.
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b) The completed Gas Load Data Submittal Sheet and the site plan should be
sent to the appropriate Operations Center to the attention of “Account
Manager.” Refer to Operations Center By Zip Codes in Section 1, General
Information, for the Operations Center that is responsible for your geographic
area. For Bardstown and Muldraugh Operations Centers, the information
should be sent to the Auburndale Operations Center.
c) Once the information is received, the Customer will receive a service contract.
Commercial Customers who have existing meters do not need to provide load or site
data.
a. The Customer must contact LG&E and make a request for service. LG&E cannot begin the process
of arranging for service until the application for service has been completed.
on-line at www.lge-ku.com
by telephone through the Residential Service Call Center. The Residential Service Call
Center is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. They may be reached
at (502) 589-1444, or toll free at (800) 331-7370 from outside of the Louisville local calling
area.
ii. For commercial Customers, the request for service may be made:
on-line at www.lge-ku.com
by telephone through the Business Service Center. The Business Service Center is
available Monday through Friday, 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. They may be reached at (502)
627-3313, or toll free at (800) 331-7370 from outside of the Louisville local calling area.
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b. At the time of the request for service, the Customer should be prepared to provide the information
listed below.
i. No Meter Exists
Requests for service should be made as far in advance of the required date of service
as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in receiving service. LG&E requires sufficient
time to design, plan and install the necessary natural gas facilities for new services.
Additional time will be required if LG&E must extend or enhance facilities to provide
service.
a) Residential Customers
b) Commercial Customers
Request for service should be made as far in advance of the required date of
service as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in receiving service. LG&E will
require sufficient time to design, plan and install the necessary natural gas facilities
for new services. Additional time will be required if LG&E must extend or enhance
facilities to provide service.
Name of Business as listed with Secretary of State of Kentucky (if incorporated, limited
liability or partnership)
Service Address. Please provide ALL available information (street name, lot number,
unit, apartment, suite, zip code, etc.).
Federal Tax ID
Type of Service (Gas, Electric, etc.)
Square Footage of Building
Type of Business
Name of Requestor
Title of Requestor
Requestor E-Mail Address (required for on-line submission)
Telephone Number of Requestor
Telephone Number of Business
Mailing Address for Bills (if different than service address)
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Special Notes:
If electric service is also required, it will be necessary to request electric service at the same time
the request for natural gas service is made.
The submission of a request for service constitutes the Customer’s permission for LG&E to
conduct a credit history check.
For all new commercial accounts, a deposit is required that is equal to 2/12 (two twelfths, or two
months) of the projected annual bill.
a) Residential Customers
Special Notes:
The submission of a request for service constitutes the Customer’s permission for LG&E to
conduct a credit history check.
b) Commercial Customers
Name of Business as listed with Secretary of State of Kentucky (if incorporated, limited
liability or partnership)
Service Address. Please provide ALL available information (street name, lot number,
unit, apartment, suite, zip code, etc.).
Federal Tax ID
Type of Service (Electric, Gas, etc.)
Name of Requestor
Title of Requestor
Requestor E-Mail Address (required for on-line submission)
Telephone Number of Requestor
Telephone Number of Business
Mailing Address for bills (if different than service address)
Special Notes:
The submission of a request for service constitutes the Customer’s permission for LG&E
to conduct a credit history check.
For all new commercial accounts, a deposit is required that is equal to 2/12 (two twelfths,
or two months) of the projected annual bill.
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c. At the time the request for service is made, the Customer will be given an account and/or order
number. This information should be retained for the purpose of tracking the progress of the service
request. In addition, the Customer will be sent an informational package.
a. No Meter Exists
Customers who received a service contract because they own a Customer contribution must sign a
service contract and pay any amounts noted in the Customer contributions area of the contract.
b. Meter Exists
a. No Meter Exists
i. For LG&E to place facilities and provide service, the Customer must convey to LG&E all
necessary easements/rights-of-way on the Customer‘s property.
ii. Any rights-of-way needed from other property owners will be obtained by Customer.
b. Meter Exists
a. No Meter Exists
i. Residential and commercial Customers will need to install Customer provided facilities (e.g.,
service line, meter loop and house line piping).
ii. Customers are responsible for any necessary maintenance of these facilities.
b. Meter Exists
i. If the Customer service line, meter loop or house line piping is not adequate because of the
installation of a high BTUH rating appliance (e.g., generators, swimming pool heaters, etc.),
Customer will need to install the appropriate facility.
ii. Customers are responsible for any necessary maintenance of these facilities.
a. To qualify for connection of the Customer service to LG&E’s Company service, the following items
must be completed:
i. A request for service must be established through either the Residential Service Call Center or
Business Service Centers.
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iii. The house line system must be extended to an operable natural gas burning appliance(s) or to a
plugged valve(s) at the proposed appliance(s) locations.
iv. For a service line supplying gas to multiple meters, the inlet side to all proposed meter loops must
be completed and the house line from at least one meter must be connected to an operable
appliance or to plugged valves at the proposed appliance locations.
b. To have the Customer service connected to LG&E’s Company service, a written request should be
faxed to LG&E at (502) 333-1823. The form for the request is included in Section 10 – Supplemental
Information. Note: Installers or Customers will be required to provide the Customer account number
for each address.
a. No Meter Exists
i. After a request for service has been made, LG&E will perform the following:
b) LG&E will send out a service contract for Customers who own a Customer contribution. For
commercial Customers, the service contract will be sent out after the LG&E receives the load
and site data.
ii. After the signed service contract is received, LG&E will perform the following:
a) LG&E will obtain all necessary permits from public entities for the installation of LG&E
facilities in public rights-of-way. LG&E will also obtain all work permits required to perform
work in public rights-of-way associated with providing service to the Customer.
b) LG&E will obtain all necessary easements required from other property owners, if applicable.
b. Meter Exists
i. After a request for service has been made, LG&E will send out an informational package.
ii. After the signed service contract is received, LG&E will install the Company service line.
a. After a request for meter installation and turn-on has been made, LG&E will perform the following:
i. No Meter Exists
a) LG&E will visually inspect the Customer service line and meter loop to ensure compliance
with applicable material and installation specifications.
b) LG&E will pressure test the service line and meter loop for leaks.
c) LG&E will visually inspect the house line piping, to the extent accessible, for safe installation.
d) LG&E will pressure test the house line piping for leaks. If the connection to the existing house
piping system is made prior to LG&E’s inspection and pressure test of the new installation, the
entire house line piping system shall be subject to a pressure test prior to reactivation.
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e) LG&E will visually check appliances that are in place for apparent proper installation and
venting. To check appliances, LG&E will need access to the premises.
f) If the inspections performed by LG&E are satisfactory, the Customer’s service line will be
connected to the Company’s service line and the meter will be placed. Gas will not be turned
on to a house piping system believed to be unsafe or leaking.
a) LG&E will pressure test the house line piping for leaks. If the connection to the existing house
piping system is made prior to LG&E’s inspection and pressure test of the new installation, the
entire house line piping system shall be subject to a pressure test prior to reactivation.
b) LG&E will visually check appliances that are in place for apparent proper installation and
venting. To check appliances, LG&E will need access to the premises.
c) If the inspections performed by LG&E are satisfactory, the gas service will be activated. Gas
will not be turned on to a house piping system believed to be unsafe or leaking.
a. LG&E has the right to reject, for valid reasons, any application or contract for service.
b. Applications for natural gas service are not transferable, and new occupants of the premises are
required to make application for service before service is provided. Customers who have been
receiving natural gas service must notify LG&E when they wish to discontinue service and are
responsible for paying for all natural gas service furnished until the time a request to discontinue
service has been made and the final meter reading has occurred.
c. LG&E may require a minimum cash deposit or other guarantee to secure payment of bills. Service
may be refused or discontinued for failure to pay the required deposit. For more information
regarding LG&E’s deposit policy, contact the “Residential Service Call Center.”
a. Customers are prohibited from using natural gas service for purposes other than those set forth in the
Customer's application or contract.
b. Natural gas furnished under LG&E's standard application or contract is for the use of the Customer
only. No Customer shall resell such energy to any other person, firm, or corporation without the
written consent of LG&E and approval of the KPSC.
a. In accordance with and subject to the rules and regulations of the KPSC, LG&E retains the right to
refuse or discontinue service to an applicant or Customer under certain conditions. LG&E will charge
the Customer for disconnections and reconnections of natural gas service resulting from
non-payment of bills, unsafe conditions or for violations of the Company’s rules and regulations.
Refusal or discontinuance of service with or without notice, and without liability, can occur under
various other circumstances. These conditions are set forth in LG&E’s Tariffs filed with the KPSC and
the rules and regulations of the commission.
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b. Since it is LG&E’s obligation to provide safe and satisfactory service to all Customers, LG&E reserves
the right to refuse or to discontinue service without notice if, in the opinion of LG&E, the Customer’s
piping, equipment or appliances are unsafe or unsuitable for receiving natural gas service or are
harmful to the service of other Customers. LG&E will make a reasonable effort to notify the Customer
prior to disconnection and shall inform the Customer of the steps which must be taken to have service
restored.
a. LG&E is not liable for any injury or damage to persons or property resulting from the presence, use or
abuse of natural gas on the Customer's premises. LG&E shall be held harmless for any injury or
damage to persons or property resulting from defects in Customer piping, equipment, apparatus, or
appliances, or resulting from any cause whatsoever other than the negligence of LG&E.
b. LG&E will exercise reasonable care and diligence in an endeavor to supply service continuously and
without interruption, but does not guarantee continuous service. It is the responsibility of the Customer,
when deemed necessary or desirable, to install any equipment necessary to protect the facilities against
disruptions in service.
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a. Each Customer gas service line must be located within the property being served, or within a
recorded easement or common space in which the rights to install, maintain, and operate the service
line have been legally granted.
b. To the greatest extent practical, a minimum of one foot (1’) horizontal distance should be maintained
between the gas service line and the edge of the property line. Note: In this case, the gas service
line and the property line are parallel to each other.
a. New or replacement gas service lines shall not be installed under buildings unless unavoidable, in the
sole judgment of LG&E, and approved by LG&E. Buildings or other major structures, such as in-ground
swimming pools, porches, storage sheds, etc., shall not be constructed over existing service lines
unless unavoidable and approved by LG&E.
b. If unavoidable, in the sole judgment of LG&E and approved by LG&E, the service line may be installed.
However, the service line must be encased in a gas tight conduit. The conduit must be vented to open
air outside of the building. The Gas Operations Center in your area must be consulted for specific
requirements.
LG&E shall not be obligated to make service connections or to extend its gas main in cases where such
extensions or connections, in the sole judgment of LG&E, would be infeasible, impractical, or contrary to
good operating practice.
i. Check with the Gas Operations Center in your area to determine if a Company service connection
already exists, or if special requirements exist for the address being served.
ii. When a Company service connection already exists, the Customer service line shall be run to at
least one foot beyond the property line or easement line at that location. Customer is responsible for
a two foot by four foot (2’ x 4’) excavation hole at the property line regardless of installation method
(trench, plow, directional drill, etc).
iii. When the Company service connection does not exist, the Customer service line shall extend at
least one foot beyond the property line or easement line of the right-of-way in which the gas main is
located unless otherwise approved or directed by LG&E. The point of termination must allow
access for connection of the Company service line to the main. Locations near driveway aprons,
large trees, catch basins, manholes, or other structures must be avoided. Refer to Drawing No.
GSC 20-10-001, Acceptable Service Lines Locations.
iv. When joint trenching construction has been used for installation of the gas mains and Company
service lines, the Customer service line may be required to extend to a remote location to meet the
Company service connection.
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The Customer service line must extend at least one foot (1’) beyond the property line or easement line
at the same location as the service line being replaced unless otherwise approved or directed by LG&E.
Customer is responsible for a two foot by four foot (2’ x 4’) excavation hole at the property line
regardless of installation method (trench, plow, directional drill, etc).
For the service connections at the property or easement line, a minimum of three feet (3’) horizontal
separation is recommended between gas service lines and other utility service connections. Refer to
Drawing No. GCS 20-10-001, Acceptable Service Line Locations.
a. Polyethylene pipe may be used for service lines being supplied by high pressure gas mains if a first
stage regulator, that reduces the pressure to 60 psig or less, is installed at the property line or easement
line.
b. Steel pipe must be used for service lines being supplied by high pressure gas mains if a first stage
regulator is not installed,
3.4.2 Medium, Elevated or Low Pressure Systems (i.e., Pressure Systems less or equal to 60 psig)
All new and replacement service lines being supplied by low, elevated, and medium pressure gas mains
shall be constructed with polyethylene (PE) pipe that is approved by LG&E.
3.5.2 All buried steel pipe shall be mill coated and cathodically protected.
3.5.3 For the specific requirements and specifications for the installation of mill coated steel gas service lines,
contact the Gas Operations Center in your area. The Gas Operations Center’s telephone number is
listed in Section 1 - Important Telephone Numbers.
a. All polyethylene pipe used for gas service lines must conform to specification ASTM D2513,
"Specifications for Thermoplastic Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing and Fittings.”
b. The polyethylene pipe must be marked at intervals not exceeding two feet (2’) showing the
manufacturer or trade name, size, wall thickness or SDR number, PE type, batch identification, and
ASTM D2513 compliance.
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c. The polyethylene pipe may be grade PE2406 or PE3408 with designation CD, CE, CDC, or CEC.
PE2406 grade (medium density) must be yellow.
d. The following sizes are approved for polyethylene (PE) gas service line use:
Nominal Standard
Polyethylene Pipe Dimensional
Size Outside Diameter Wall Thickness Ratio Rating
½ " CTS* 0.625 .090 W.T. SDR 7.0
½” IPS 0.840" O.D. .090" W.T. SDR 9.3
1" CTS 1.125" O.D .099" to .101" W.T. SDR 11.4
1-1/4" IPS 1.660" O.D. .166" W.T. SDR 10
2" IPS 2.375" O.D. .216" W.T. SDR 11.0
3" IPS 3.500" O.D. .307" W.T. SDR 11.5
4" IPS 4.500" O.D .395" W.T. SDR 11.
6" IPS 6.625" O.D. .576" W.T. SDR 11.5 or
6" IPS 6.625" O.D. .491” W.T. SDR 13.5
* ½” CTS may only be used when inserting through existing ¾” steel service lines, see 3.9.4.
e. Pipe types, grades and sizes other than listed above are subject to approval by LG&E prior to
installation. Additional types or grades may be subsequently approved as polyethylene pipe technology
advances.
a. All polyethylene service lines shall be pressure tested at 100 psig with air or inert gas as the test
medium to prove the structural integrity and absence of leaks.
b. To facilitate pressure testing, two inch (2") IPS and smaller polyethylene service lines should be
brought above grade and tied to a stake or other object at the property line or easement line. The
end should be capped in a watertight manner to prevent entry of rain, dirt, or insects.
c. Service lines larger than two inch (2") IPS shall be terminated at the property line or easement line in
accordance with the specific requirements stated by the Gas Operations Center in your area.
Sharp bends in polyethylene gas piping should be avoided. For permanent installations, the bending
radius should exceed 20 times the outside diameter of the polyethylene pipe as follows:
Actual Minimum
Nominal Size O.D. Radius
a. Care must be used at all times when handling and storing polyethylene gas pipe.
b. Contact with sharp edges, kinking, and exposure to extreme heat or petroleum solvents must be
avoided.
c. Pipe with surface cuts or gouges of 10% or more of the wall thickness, pipe that has been kinked, or
pipe that has been exposed to extreme heat or petroleum solvents may not be used.
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3.7.2 The correct service line size may be determined from the service line capacity charts in Tables 3.1, 3.2, and
3.3. If any doubt exists concerning the gas main pressure classification for an address being served, or if
any uncertainty exists concerning the service line size, the Gas Operations Center in your area should be
contacted. The Gas Operations Center’s telephone number is listed in Section 1 - Important Telephone
Numbers.
TABLE 3.1
LOW PRESSURE SERVICE LINE CAPACITY
(Thousand BTUH based on 0.5” W.C. pressure drop)
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TABLE 3.2
ELEVATED PRESSURE SERVICE LINE CAPACITY
(Thousand BTUH based on 4” W.C. pressure drop)
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TABLE 3.3
MEDIUM PRESSURE SERVICE LINE CAPACITY
(Thousand BTUH based on difference of absolute pressure squared = 100)
Note:
The medium pressure service line capacities shown in Table 3.3 are conservative and may be used without
exception on any service supplied from an LG&E medium pressure gas system. In some cases, a greater
capacity will result from a higher system operating pressure. If additional capacity is needed to utilize an
existing medium pressure service line, or to enable insertion through an existing steel service, the Gas
Operations Center in your area should be consulted.
Service lines crossing creeks or drainage ditches must be adequately protected against damage that
may result from erosion or dredging. For creeks and ditches in which water is normally present or
flowing, the service line must be encased in a steel pipe or otherwise protected in accordance with a
method acceptable and approved by LG&E.
a. Each point in which pipe enters or leaves a steel casing pipe must be properly prepared and
protected from damage resulting from contact with sharp metal edges and from sheering forces from
ground settlement.
b. The inside of the steel casing must be reamed or filed to remove burrs and to provide a beveled or
rounded edge, and a protective insert bushing must be in place during and after the insertion
operation.
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3.8.3 A rigid plastic sleeve at least 12 inches (12”) long must be centered over the entry or exit point. A split
two (2) piece insert shall not be used, and the protective sleeve should be the smallest standard size that
will fit over the steel casing pipe. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-20-004, Detail Insert Protector & Sleeve
for Polyethylene Insertion.
i. At least two business days prior to starting excavation activities, Kentucky Dig Safely, also known
as “BUD,” should be called to locate all underground utilities (electric, gas/oil/steam, water, cable,
communication, and sewer) in the area of the proposed excavation.
ii. The Louisville telephone number for Kentucky Dig Safely is (502) 266-5123. From outside the
Louisville local area, Kentucky Dig Safely can be reached toll free at (800) 752-6007.
iii. There is no charge to the Customer or contractor for calling Kentucky Dig Safety or for the locating
services that are normally provided.
b. Utility Clearance
To the greatest extent practical, a minimum clearance of one foot (1’) horizontal distance should be
maintained between the gas service and underground structures, water service lines, electric service
lines, telephone lines, and cable television service lines. However, a minimum of three feet (3’)
horizontal clearance is recommended between gas service lines and underground gasoline or fuel oil
storage tanks, underground sewer lines, septic tanks, or lateral fields. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-
10-001, Acceptable Service Line Locations.
c. Depth of Cover
Service lines must have at least 18 inches (18”) of cover, except where prevented by solid or
consolidated rock. In case of rock, or other obstructions, service lines shall be as deep as practical,
but with not less than 12 inches (12”) of cover. However, if solid rock prevents installation with 12
inches (12”) cover, a minimum of nine inches (9”) will be allowed providing that the service line is
installed inside a rigid plastic or steel casing with the top of the casing below the surface of the rock.
Refer to Drawing No. GSC 20-20-002, Installation of Gas Service Line in Shallow Rock.
i. Special care must be exercised to assure that all soil in contact with the gas pipe is free from
rocks, bricks, nails, building materials, etc., that may damage the pipe surface. If necessary, a
sand or sifted soil cushion at least six inches (6”) thick may be required above and below the
pipe.
ii. Backfill material containing the above-mentioned foreign materials may not be used. As with any
underground pipe, backfill shall be carefully replaced in several well compacted layers. Special
attention shall be paid to the area around the polyethylene pipe at the meter riser to avoid
straining the meter loop brackets and service head adapter if used. If good backfill material is
unavailable, it is permissible to encase the polyethylene service line in a rigid plastic or steel pipe
of a larger size.
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iii. The trench bottom for gas service lines installed by direct burial must be smooth and free of
abrupt changes in elevation. The soil in the trench bottom must be free of sharp rock or foreign
material that may damage the pipe. If rock is encountered, a minimum of six inches (6”) of sand
or sifted soil cushion must be placed below the pipe.
iv. As an alternative to sand or sifted soil cushion, a steel pipe, PVC pipe, or other rigid plastic pipe
may be installed on the ditch bottom to use as a protective sleeve for insertion.
b. Utility Clearance
If a gas service line is installed in the same ditch with other utilities or underground facilities, a
minimum of one foot (1’) horizontal clearance shall be maintained and the gas service line must be
supported on well compacted soil. If conditions or situations prevent meeting these requirements, the
Gas Operations Center in your area should be consulted. The requirements of this article do not
preclude participation in joint trenching projects. However, a detailed plan must be submitted to
LG&E for approval prior to the installation.
a. Installation of service lines by plowing, horizontal drilling or other trenchless technology is subject to
the approval of LG&E in advance. In order to achieve approval for horizontal drilling, an operating
plan must be presented and observation of an installation by a LG&E inspector may be required.
i. Minimum qualifications of the lead person, performing the installation. Note: The lead person
must be on the job site while the work is being performed.
ii. Requirement to notify Kentucky Dig Safely at least two business days prior to starting
construction, as well as all other reasonable precautions to avoid interference with sewers,
drains, and other buried facilities.
iii. Requirement not to damage other underground utilities. To meet this requirement, test holes
should be dug by hand over locations where the proposed service line will cross the existing
underground utilities. The test holes should be dug to a depth that equals or exceeds the depth
of the proposed service line.
iv. Description of soil types and conditions acceptable and unacceptable for the installation method
described.
v. If polyethylene pipe is used, provision for limiting tensile stress on the polyethylene pipe to a level
not damaging to the pipe.
vi. Quality control program to ensure that soil and installation conditions are proper and that proper
depth of burial has been attained.
vii. Criteria for the inspection of the leading pipe to assure that it had not been damaged by tension
or abrasion. Visual inspection and dimensional testing with a cold ring clamp is suggested.
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3.9.4 Insertion
a. Existing steel service lines may be renewed by insertion with a smaller size polyethylene service line,
provided that the reduced size will carry sufficient capacity to meet present and anticipated future
demand in accordance with Tables 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3, and provided that the length, load and pressure
restrictions are met.
One and a quarter inch (1-1/4") steel pipe (1.66" O.D.) may be inserted with up to one inch (1")
CTS (1.125" O.D.) polyethylene pipe. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-20-003, Installation of
Polyethylene Service by Insertion.
One inch (1") steel pipe (1.315" O.D.) may be inserted with up to half inch (1/2") IPS (.840" O.D.)
polyethylene pipe. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-20-003, Installation of Polyethylene Service by
Insertion.
Three-quarter inch (3/4”) steel pipe (1.050” O.D.) may be inserted with up to half inch (1/2”) CTS
(0.625” O.D.) polyethylene pipe. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 20-20-003, Installation of
Polyethylene Service by Insertion.
b. The existing service line must meet minimum depth requirements and may not pass under buildings or
go through other prohibited locations.
3.10 Casings
3.10.1 Installation of Casings
Plowing or directional boring may be used as alternatives to direct burial for installation of casing.
3.11.2 When inserting polyethylene pipe through an existing steel service, tracing wire must be provided
between the service riser and the casing, across each gap in the casing, and from the end of the casing
to the property line or easement line. The tracing wire must be electrically attached by brazing, thermite
welding, or with good quality electric ground clamps to the casing pipe. Each connection between the
tracing wire and casing pipe must be coated with an electrically insulating mastic intended for burial.
Brazing or thermite welding must be performed before the polyethylene is inserted. Refer to Drawing No.
GCS 20-20-005, Attachment of Tracing Wire.
3.11.3 As an option, the tracing wire may be inserted with the polyethylene gas pipe through an existing steel
service pipe provided that proper clearance is maintained between the wire and polyethylene pipe before
and after they exit the casing pipe.
3.11.4 When installing a PVC or other plastic casing pipe by trenching, plowing, or directional boring, the tracing
wire must be installed outside of the casing and may be taped or otherwise secured to the outside of the
casing at intervals as necessary to facilitate installation.
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3.13.2 Service lines installed by direct burial must be visually inspected by LG&E before the areas of open
excavation may be backfilled.
3.13.3 Service lines installed by trenchless technology (e.g., plowing or boring) must be visually inspected by
LG&E before the areas of open excavation (including areas at the property line and the meter assembly)
may be backfilled.
3.13.4 Service lines installed by insertion (i.e., in a newly installed PVC sleeve or existing steel service line) must
be visually inspected by LG&E before the areas of open excavation (including areas at the property line and
the meter assembly) may be backfilled. However, areas of open excavation over the PVC sleeve or existing
service line may be backfilled without being inspected by LG&E.
Lots that are zoned for single family dwellings shall be entitled to one gas service line per lot. Single
family dwellings include homes, manufactured homes, etc.
a. Each building containing one or more complete residential dwelling or commercial business units
located within a single parcel of land may be entitled to one service line. This entitlement does not
apply to garages, storage sheds, or other outbuildings that serve as satellites to the principal units
served. Individual units that share a common wall or are otherwise connected are to be considered
collectively as one building.
b. LG&E reserves the right to limit the number of service lines within a single parcel of property when
necessary to ensure safe operation or when separate buildings can be properly served from a single
meter location.
Each common building structure that contains units on separately deeded land parcels is generally
entitled to a single service line per building. In the event the common building contains nine or more
units, a second service line may be provided at LG&E's discretion. The second service will be located at
the opposite end of the building as the first service. It is the developer, builder, or customer's
responsibility to ensure easements or common ground is established through which the right to install,
operate, and maintain the service line is legally granted.
The entitlements and restrictions stated above are based upon typical residential and small commercial
installations. The number of service lines allowed for large lots, farm land, industrial property, etc., will be
determined by the Gas Operations Center in your area based upon the merits of each request.
a. Mechanical fittings must be approved by LG&E, and the heat fusion of polyethylene pipe must be
performed using procedures that have been approved by LG&E.
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b. Heat fusion joints must be made in conformance with the qualified written procedures developed for
each particular brand of pipe. Use of proper tools for making heat fusion joints is essential.
3.15.2 Polyethylene and steel pipe may be joined together using mechanical fittings or transition fittings.
Mechanical and transition fittings must be approved by LG&E prior to installation.
3.15.3 As much as practical, polyethylene service lines should be run in a single continuous section without
joints. For coil pipe, a maximum of one (1) mechanical joint per one hundred feet (100’) of service in
addition to the joint at the meter riser is recommended. For straight length pipe (i.e., usually pipe three-
inch (3") IPS and larger), to the greatest extent practical, the piping should be installed using full lengths,
which are typically forty feet (40’) long.
3.15.4 A minimum of three inches (3”) of slack per one hundred feet (100’) of polyethylene gas service line shall
be provided to allow for thermal contraction.
a. Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations require any person that joins gas service line piping to be
qualified and to use qualified written procedures. This requirement includes polyethylene to
polyethylene as well as polyethylene to steel joints.
b. Persons joining sections of polyethylene pipe with mechanical fittings can be qualified by an
acceptable agency such as the Kentucky Gas Association or by the manufacturer of a particular
fitting.
c. Acceptance of qualifications to make heat fusion joints may be obtained through LG&E. For heat
fusion qualifications to be accepted by LG&E, one or more sample joints must be made in the
presence of an authorized LG&E inspector and must be submitted to the inspector for destructive
testing.
d. LG&E will use the guidelines for acceptance or rejection of joints as set forth in the manufacturer's
qualified written procedures to determine heat fusion qualifications.
e. Homeowners, tenants, or others installing a polyethylene service line not for profit may be eligible to
obtain a "homeowner’s" permit. This permit is issued to the person making the mechanical joint or
joints in the polyethylene gas pipe following a brief training session. Contact the Gas Operations
Center in your area for information regarding homeowner’s permits. This permit is not available to
commercial installers.
a. The service line riser should be plumb and meter connections should be level with the correct
distance between openings. Use of excessive fittings should be avoided.
b. The service riser must be securely supported using split ring clamps or substantial mounting brackets in
accordance with the applicable meter loop drawing. Polyethylene pipe or flexible riser casing must not
be relied upon to contribute to the support of the meter setting.
c. The transition from polyethylene to steel at the service riser must be made using approved fittings in a
configuration acceptable to LG&E. See Drawing Nos. GCS 30-20-004, Meter Riser for Use with
Polyethylene, GCS 30-20-005, Flexible Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas Service Line, GCS
30-20-006, Service Head Adapter/ Straight Pipe Meter Riser for Use with Polyethylene Gas Service
Line, and GCS 30-20-007, Anodeless Riser for Large Polyethylene Gas Service Line, for typical meter
riser installations.
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A minimum of one foot (1’) horizontal distance shall be maintained between the service riser at its point of
exit from the ground and any foundation grills or air intakes into a building. See Drawing No. GCS 30-10-
003, Acceptable Gas Meter Locations.
a. Each gas service line valve must be designed and rated for an operating pressure of at least 100 psig
and will be subject to the pressure test applied to the piping on which it is installed; it must withstand this
test without leaking.
b. Each service line valve must be tamperproof and marked with the manufacturer's name or trade name,
pressure rating, and the letter "G" to designate acceptability for gas. A tamperproof valve is one in
which the core cannot be easily removed, either accidentally or intentionally, with ordinary hand tools.
Service riser must be properly coated or otherwise protected from atmospheric corrosion. A good quality
paint intended for exterior use on metal, applied to a properly prepared surface, may be used.
When a service riser or other gas piping passes through concrete or asphalt paving, a nonmetallic sleeve
must be provided to separate the paving from the piping. See Drawing No. GCS 20-20-006, Gas Pipe
Sleeving Through Concrete or Masonry.
3.17.2 Existing meter loops can be repaired with similar fittings unless the service is also being replaced, in
which case the meter loop (and associated manifold) must be reconstructed to the same standards as a
new service installation. Regardless of repair, all valves in the meter loop should be replaced with
tamperproof, lock-off valves.
3.17.3 For additional information regarding repair or replacement of an existing gas service line or houseline
piping system, contact the Gas Operations Center in your geographic area. The Gas Operations Center’s
telephone number is listed in Section 1 - Important Telephone Numbers.
3.17.4 Upon completion of a replacement service line or repair to an existing service line, a request for
inspection should be made by telephone to the Gas Operations Center in your geographic area.
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4.1.2 A standard house meter, at a two inch (2”) W.C. differential, will properly serve a gas demand up to 175,000
BTUH (simultaneously operation) or 375,000 BTUH (diversified operation). For greater gas demands,
consult the Gas Operations Center in your area to determine the correct meter size.
a. Meters shall be located in ventilated spaces readily accessible for examination, reading, replacement, or
necessary maintenance.
b. Gas meters shall not block normal passage on sidewalks or block ingress or egress through doors or
emergency exits.
c. Gas meters shall not be placed in locations where they will be exposed to excessive dirt or corrosive
materials from manufacturing processes, or beneath condensate drains or roof drains.
d. Outside gas meters shall be located at least 18 inches (18”) from any air intakes into a building, as
measured from the final elbow on the service riser (refer to Drawing No. GCS 30-10-003, Acceptable
Gas Meter Locations). Air intakes include dryer vents, furnace vents for intake or exhaust, windows that
may be opened, ventilating fans, louvers, or foundation grills.
e. Outside gas meters shall be located at least 36 inches (36”) from any likely ignition sources, as
measured from the final elbow on the service riser (refer to Drawing No. GCS 30-10-004, Acceptable
Gas Meter Locations). Likely ignition sources include the electric meter and meter pan, electric circuit
breakers, air conditioning units, or other electric devices.
f. If the separations listed in Subsection 4.2.1 d. & e. cannot be attained, the regulator vent must be
piped to a location that meets the separation requirements listed above. Additional separation may
be required for large volume pressure regulators with built-in internal relief devices.
a. When it is necessary to relocate the gas meter inside a building for a replacement service line, the Gas
Operations Center in your area should be consulted for specific installation requirements.
b. Replacement Gas meters located inside buildings or under roofs may require additional
regulator/relief valve vent piping. The Gas Operations Center in your area should be consulted for
specific installation requirements.
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4.3.2 Gas meters should not be installed under decks, in crawl spaces, or in other areas with less than six feet (6’)
of headroom.
4.3.4 Maximum height from the floor to the top of any meter should not exceed five feet (5’). However, an
exception may be made to clear expected high water elevation in areas prone to flooding.
4.4.2 Multiple meter installations serving residential and small commercial Customers using standard meters are
required to be constructed with prefabricated meter loop assemblies to the greatest extent practical. See
Drawing No. GCS 30-20-206, Typical Multiple Meter Installation Prefabricated Meter Loops, for a multiple
meter installation using prefabricated meter loop assemblies.
i. Prefabricated meter loop assemblies are required for service to Customers utilizing standard
meters up to 250 CFH nominal capacity (i.e., at 0.5” W.C. differential) whenever total demand
and character of demand permit. For single meter installations see Drawing Nos. GCS 30-20-
201, 1” Prefabricated meter Loop, GCS 30-30-201, Low Pressure Meterset Assembly, GCS 30-
30-202, Medium Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT with Regulator, and GCS 30-30-
203, Elevated Pressure Meterset Assembly 1 NPS x 20 LT with Regulator, for piping details of
standard house meters using prefabricated meter assemblies.
ii. For maximum gas demand of over 300,000 BTUH served from a low pressure (i.e., 0.25 psig)
system, or where a bypass operation must be performed (such as for maintenance to a meter or
pressure regulator) without interruption of normal operation, the prefabricated meter loop should
not be used. Refer to Section 4.2.2, Field Fabricated Meter Loops.
i. For maximum gas demand of over 300,000 BTUH served from a low pressure (i.e., 0.25 psig)
system though a one inch (1”) meter, a prefabricated meter loop shall be used if external bypass
is not required. If an external bypass is required, a meter loop may be fabricated from standard
pipe and fittings per Drawing No. GCS 30-20-204, 1” Meter Loop Field Fabricated.
ii. For any application in which an external bypass is required, and for any application requiring a
meter of 375 CFH or more nominal capacity, the meter loop assembly will need to be fabricated
using standard pipe and fittings. See Drawings Nos. GCS 30-20-301, 1” Meter Loop with By-
pass, and GCS 30-20-302, 1½ Meter Loop with By-pass. Drawings will be furnished for rotary
meter installations and other field fabricated meter piping configurations when applicable.
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iii. Meter loops for meters of 375 CFH or larger capacity in a multiple meter setting will need to be
fabricated using standard pipe and fittings. See Drawing No. GCS 30–20-001 for meter piping
details for a typical multiple meter installation using standard fittings. The Company will furnish
custom drawings when necessary for multiple meter installations.
iv. Use of welded service manifolds is encouraged to reduce the number of threaded pipe connections.
a. Only steel pipe and steel or malleable iron fittings shall be used for meter loop construction. Street
elbows or close nipples shall not be used for construction of meter loops. Bushings shall not be used
for size reduction on meter loop or service riser piping; however, they may be used for reduction of two
or more sizes for test connections or gauge points. Unions may be used if located downstream of the
master valve or manifold valve.
c. All threads on pipe and fittings holding gas pressure must be standard taper in accordance with
specification ANSI/ASME B1.20.1, Standard for Pipe Threads, General Purpose.
d. Meter bars, factory made manifolds, or other special installations may be used subject to approval by
LG&E.
a. General
i. Master valves are required for installations with two or more meters. If all meters are served
from a single manifold, one valve shall be provided ahead of that manifold, preferably at the top of
the service riser. See Drawing GCS 30-10-002, Master Valve Requirements for Multiple Meter
Installations, Figures A&B.
ii Master valves for two or more manifolds. If meters are served from more than one manifold, a
master valve is required for each manifold. See Drawing GCS 30-10-002, Master Valve
Requirements for Multiple Meter Installations, Figure C.
iii. Bypass valves are required on meter loops one and a half inches (1-1/2”) and larger, and
on some field fabricated one inch (1”) meter loops, in order to prevent major inconvenience or
interruption of commercial process which would result from the shutting off of gas for meter
change operations. Generally, any meter loop that has a meter with a capacity of 425,000 BTU/H
or greater at one half inch (½”) water differential will have a bypass. See Drawings No. GCS 30-
20-301, 1” Meter Loop with By-pass, and GCS 30-20-302, 1½ Meter Loop with By-pass.
i. Each new or reconstructed meter loop shall have an approved tamperproof gas valve of the proper
size located on the inlet side of each regulator and meter. Each meter inlet valve or service side
bypass valve must have a lock wing or other feature allowing the valve to be locked in the closed
position. If served from a low pressure main, elevated pressure main, medium pressure main, or a
high pressure main through a primary regulator, each valve must be designed and rated for an
operating pressure of at least 100 psig.
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ii. If served directly from a high pressure main without a primary regulator, typically large commercial
or industrial applications, each valve in a location subject to full service line pressure must be rated
at least as high as the maximum allowable operating pressure for that main. Required pressure
ratings, drawings, and general specifications will be provided by the Commercial Gas Service
Designer.
iii. Each approved tamperproof service line valve shall be marked to show the manufacturer’s name or
trade mark, the pressure rating with the letter “G” to designate gas, and the letter “T” to designate
tamperproof.
iv. Master valves, as required under Sections 4.4.3 and 4.4.4, shall meet the above requirements.
Each valve on the house line side of a meter loop shall have a pressure rating of at least 100 psig, and
shall be marked to show the manufacturer’s name or trademark and pressure rating with the letter “G” to
designate gas.
a. The house line or outlet side of the meter loop must be rigidly supported using split ring or equivalent
clamps if vertical or horizontal piping exceeds eight inches (8”) before entering the building.
b. When supplying gas to a corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) house piping system, the
transition must be made at an approved termination fitting securely anchored to the outside wall. A
plastic sleeve must surround the tubing if passing through concrete or masonry. A split ring clamp, or
equivalent, will be required if the pipe thread size and mounting configuration of the termination fitting
is not sufficient to rigidly support the meter. See Drawing No. GCS 30-20-002, CSST House Piping.
c. Meter loops for manufactured homes shall be rigidly anchored to a free-standing supporting structure
either pre-fabricated or fabricated out of steel or other material resistant to deterioration from weather
and contact with ground. Pressure treated lumber shall be allowed only for cross-members and
not for support posts. If a manufactured home is subject to relocation, the meter loop location must
not block its removal or replacement. See Drawing No. GCS 30-20-205, Mobile Home Meter Loop, for
manufactured home meter loops. If a manufactured home is permanently and rigidly anchored to a
masonry foundation, the meter loop may be anchored to the foundation and the piping may be rigidly
connected to the manufactured home.
Meter loop piping installed outdoors or in other locations that are subject to atmospheric corrosion must be
properly coated or otherwise protected from atmospheric corrosion. A good quality paint intended for
exterior use on metal, applied to a properly prepared surface, may be used.
Gas meters located within three feet (3’) of driveways or other driving areas shall be barricaded or otherwise
protected from vehicular damage. Meters located farther than three feet (3’) from driveways serving
commercial or industrial operations require barricades if subject to contact by trucks, forklifts, or other mobile
equipment. Refer to Drawing No. GCS 30-20-003, Meter Barricade.
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a. When an indoor meter is being relocated to an outside location in conjunction with a service line
replacement, the new house line shall be extended to the intended point of tie-in with the existing piping
and capped.
b. The new piping shall be rigidly anchored to allow a pressure test to be applied.
c. The final connection may be made by the Customer or plumber at the time LG&E tests and activates
the new service line.
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5.1.2 Since the National Fuel Gas Code is referenced in the Kentucky Building Code for gas piping in all
buildings covered by its jurisdiction, LG&E recommends that installers of gas piping obtain the latest
edition of the National Fuel Gas Code and follow its provisions when installing gas house lines. The
National Fuel Gas Code is listed by National Fire Prevention Bureau as NFPA-54, and by American
National Standards Institute as Z223.1. It may be ordered through National Fire Prevention Bureau by
telephone at 1-800-344-3555 or through their internet website at http://nfpa.org.
a. Manufactured homes and other manufactured housing units that are certified by the manufacturer or
authorized dealer as being piped in accordance with federal regulations (i.e., Title 24, Code of
Federal Regulations, Parts 3280 and 3282) will qualify for gas service without any additional
modification.
b. Manufactured homes or other manufactured housing units that are not certified by the manufacturer
or authorized dealer as being piped in accordance with federal regulations (i.e., Title 24, Code of
Federal Regulations, Parts 3280 and 3282) will not qualify for gas service unless the gas piping is
installed in accordance with the local code requirements applicable to buildings with the same
intended usage.
Each aboveground portion of a gas piping system upstream from the equipment shutoff valve shall be
electrically continuous to any grounding electrode as defined by NFPA 70, National Electric Code. Gas
piping shall not be used as a grounding conductor or electrode.
a. Underground piping shall be installed with sufficient clearance from any other underground structure
to avoid contact therewith, to allow maintenance, and to protect against damage from proximity to
other structures.
b. Underground piping shall be installed with at least 18 inches (18”) of cover. The cover shall be
permitted to be less than 18 inches (18”) but at least 12 inches (12”) if external damage to the pipe is
not likely to result. If a minimum of 12 inches (12”) of cover cannot be maintained, the pipe shall be
installed in a conduit or otherwise shielded.
c. The trench shall be graded so that the pipe has a firm and substantially continuous bearing on the
trench bottom. The trench bottom must be free of rocks or foreign materials that may damage plastic
pipe or the coating on steel pipe. The trench bottom may be padded with sand or sifted soil if
necessary.
d. Backfill material shall be free of rocks or other material that may damage the pipe or coating. Sand or
sifted soil may be used to pad the top and sides of the pipe if necessary.
5.1.6 In multi-metered buildings in which gas appliances are in a location remote from the area that they serve
(e.g., basement or utility room), an identifying tag should be installed on the piping or valve serving each
appliance.
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5.1.7 It is not the responsibility of the Louisville Gas and Electric Company to assure compliance with the
applicable codes pertaining to installation of house line piping, appliance installation, or appliance
operation.
5.2.2 Every gas outlet shall have a shutoff valve, located within the same room, and within six feet (6’) of the
appliance served. Where appliances are connected with flexible connectors or semi-rigid tubing, the
valves must be ahead of the appliance connector, on the steel pipe.
5.2.3 Gas outlets in fireplaces designed to burn wood or other solid fuel shall have shutoff valves located
outside of the firebox and accessible in the same room. Shutoff valves serving decorative gas appliances
may be installed in fireplaces if listed for such use (by the manufacturer) and if protected from exposure to
excessive heat.
5.2.4 An exterior shutoff valve shall be provided for each structure served with gas.
5.2.5 Multiple house lines to individual dwelling units must have shutoff valves, accessible to the tenants
served, and marked with identification tags.
5.2.6 Valves shall not be installed in concealed spaces or in spaces used for air plenums.
5.3.2 Pressure regulators must be vented to the outside. The vent lines must terminate with vent screens
facing down to prevent entry of insects or water.
a. Specifications
i. Steel pipe must comply with a listed specification, typically ASTM A53 or ASTM A106.
ii. All threads on pipe and fittings shall be tapered and conform to specification ASME B1.20.1.
iii. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be applied to the male threads only.
iv. All thread nipples (straight non-tapered threads) shall not be used.
v. Close nipples (tapered threads not separated by a shoulder) and malleable iron bushings are not
recommended. If used, malleable iron bushings should be limited to low stress applications with
a reduction of two or more nominal pipe sizes.
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b. Joining
i. Steel pipe and fittings may be joined by welding, threading, or bolted flanges. Compression
fittings using gasket materials which are subject to failure when exposed to heat from a fire shall
not be used on inside locations.
ii. Welded joints are required on steel piping systems that operate at over 5 psig inside buildings.
Valves, pressure controlling devices, final connections to equipment, etc., may be flanged or
threaded.
iii. Welded joints should be made using established procedures and welders qualified under
specification API 1104, Standard for Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities; AWS B2.1, Standard
for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification; or the ASME Boiler and Pressure Code,
Section IX.
c. Prohibited Locations
Steel pipe may not be buried beneath buildings, or be in contact with the ground beneath buildings,
unless fully must be encased in a gas tight conduit. The Gas Operations Center in your area must be
consulted for specific requirements.
a. Specifications
i. Polyethylene pipe must comply with ASTM D-2513. The same material grades that are
acceptable for service line installations are acceptable for house line piping. Polyethylene gas
pipe may be used only outside of buildings and beneath the ground.
ii. An insulated copper tracing wire shall be installed adjacent to the polyethylene pipe with the ends
terminating above ground at each end. Contact between the tracing wire and the polyethylene
pipe should be avoided.
b. Joining
i. Joints may be made in polyethylene plastic using approved mechanical fittings or heat fusion.
ii. Properly trained and qualified installers should follow qualified written joining procedures.
iii. All transitions to steel pipe must be outside. Transitions may be made using service head
adapters or anodeless risers in the same manner as used for service risers, or transition to mill
coated and cathodically protected house lines may be made directly below ground. Refer to
Drawing No. GCS 80-20-302, Polyethylene to Steel Transition for Underground House Line.
c. Prohibited Locations
ii. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe may not be buried beneath buildings, or be in contact with the ground
beneath buildings, unless fully must be encased in a gas tight conduit. The Gas Operations Center
in your area must be consulted for specific requirements.
iii. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe may not be buried beneath buildings, or be in contact with the ground
beneath buildings, unless fully encased in a gas tight sleeve of protected steel pipe vented to the
outside of the building.
iii. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe shall only be installed outside for an underground house line
application.
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iv. Polyethylene (plastic) pipe shall not be installed inside to serve appliances.
a. Specifications
i. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) systems must be tested, listed, and installed in
accordance with ANSI LC-1/CSA 6.26, Fuel Gas Piping Systems Using Corrugated Stainless
Steel Tubing.
ii. CSST may be used for installation of new house line systems or for addition to existing systems.
b. Joining
Only qualified installers, trained by authorized agents for the respective brands of CSST system, are
allowed to install CSST piping systems.
c. Connections
Connection of the CSST to the meter outlet piping must be made using a suitable transition fitting
supported by the outside building wall, such that the tubing is not exposed. See Drawing No. GCS
30-20-002, CSST House Piping, for a typical installation.
d. Prohibited Locations
CSST may not extend into the fireboxes of fireplaces designed to burn solid fuel. CSST or fittings
may not be installed in any manner or locations where they will be subjected to heat from solid fuel
fires.
a. Specification
i. Copper tubing shall comply with standard Type K or L of ASTM B 88, Specifications for Seamless
Copper Water Tube, or ASTM B280, Specification for Seamless Copper Tube for Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration Field Service.
ii. Joints in copper tubing shall be made with fittings approved by the manufacturer for natural gas
service or shall be brazed using materials with higher than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,000oF)
melting point.
iii. The transition to copper from the steel or CSST must be made outside. The transition to copper
must be preceded by a valve located outside.
b. Prohibited Locations
i. Copper tubing shall only be installed outside for an underground houseline application (e.g., to
serve gas grills, gas lights, or other outside natural gas appliances).
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a. All gas outlets that do not connect to appliances must be capped or plugged gas tight.
b. All inside house line piping, not certified under the manufactured housing code, shall to be
constructed using standard weight (i.e., schedule 40) plain or galvanized steel pipe, or an approved
corrugated stainless steel system.
a. Unions, tubing fittings, or compression fittings shall not be installed in concealed locations.
b. Manifolds, valves, and pressure regulators must be installed in accessible areas and may not be
concealed.
c. When gas piping that is to be concealed is being installed, elbows, tees, and couplings shall be
permitted. However, the number of concealed joints should be kept to a minimum. Unions, tubing
fittings, right and left couplings, bushings, swing joints, and compression couplings shall not be used
in concealed locations.
d. Gas piping shall not be installed in solid partitions such as concrete (e.g., floors), unless it is laid in
channels that permit access to the piping with minimum damage to the building. Where piping in
channels could be exposed to excessive moisture or corrosive substances, the piping shall be
protected in an appropriate manner.
5.4.3 Connections
Vertical branch connections from horizontal house lines should be taken from the top or side only. See
Drawing No. GCS 80-20-301, Vertical Branch Connection with Drip Leg.
Gas piping shall not be run through or inside of air ducts, clothes chutes, elevator shafts, fireplace ash
dumps, chimneys, or concealed air plenums. This prohibition does not apply to air spaces used for
plenums above suspended ceilings.
a. When the house line passes through a concrete or masonry wall, a nonmetallic sleeve must be
provided. In addition, the spaces between the pipe, sleeve, and masonry must be sealed to prevent
entry of water or gas into the building. See Drawing No. GCS 20-20-006, Gas Pipe Sleeving Through
Concrete or Masonry.
b. Pipe passing through masonry walls, floors, or ceilings should be encased in a sleeve of plastic pipe.
Underground piping, where installed through the outer foundation or basement wall of a building shall
be encased in a protective pipe, sealed to prevent entry of gas or water.
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a. Means shall be provided to prevent excessive stressing of the piping where there is heavy vehicular
traffic or soil conditions are unstable and settling of piping or foundation walls could occur.
b. Any above grade copper tubing must be protected against physical damage.
c. Steel pipe installed outside and aboveground must be protected against damage from anticipated
forces.
a. Steel
i. Steel pipe buried beneath the ground must be effectively coated and cathodically protected to
prevent corrosion. Fittings and blemishes in the coating must be wrapped with a protective tape or
mastic intended for this purpose. The underground portion must be electrically insulated from non-
protected piping using dielectric couplings, dielectric unions, or flanges.
ii. Steel pipe installed outside and aboveground must be painted or otherwise coated to prevent
atmospheric corrosion.
b. Copper
i. If any part of the copper tubing is buried underground, a dielectric fitting must be used to
electrically isolate the copper tubing from the steel or CSST house line piping. If the transition to
steel is made underground, the steel pipe must be coated, cathodically protected, and electrically
insulated from the houseline piping.
ii. For underground copper tubing installations, the vertical portion, from approximately six inches
(6”) below grade to the transition fitting above grade, must be encased in a steel pipe or sunlight
resistant plastic pipe securely mounted to the building wall. The space between the copper tube
and protective sleeve shall be filled with expanding foam, or otherwise sealed at the top, to
prevent entry and accumulation of rain water. Insulation must be used, if necessary, to prevent a
steel casing pipe from electrically shorting the dielectric transition fitting.
5.7.3 All provisions for supporting and protecting CSST must be followed in accordance with manufacturers’
written procedures.
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5.8.2 Vertical branch connections dropping to appliances should be provided drip legs at the bottom of each
drop. The drip leg may be assembled using a tee of the same size as the drop, with the side outlet
serving the appliance, and a three inch (3”) or longer nipple with a cap connected into the bottom outlet of
the tee. Drip legs should not be used outside or in locations subject to freezing. See Drawing No. GCS
80-20-301, Vertical Branch Connection with Drip Leg.
5.8.3 Rigid connection with steel pipe is generally recommended for boilers, furnaces, water heaters and other
stationary equipment not subject to movement or excessive vibration.
5.8.4 Final connections to movable appliances must be made with approved flexible appliance connectors,
preceded by a valve connected to the rigid piping.
5.8.5 Flexible appliance connectors must be located entirely within the same room as the appliance and may
not pass through walls, floors, or ceilings. The final connection to the appliance must be made outside of
the appliance cabinet to rigid pipe.
5.9.2 Natural gas service will not be turned on to a house piping system believed to be unsafe or leaking.
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b. Corrugated stainless steel tubing systems must be designed with sufficient tubing size to operate with
low pressure gas, unless the availability of greater pressure is confirmed by the Gas Operations
Center in your area. Delivery pressure in excess of seven inches (7") W.C. cannot be provided from
low or elevated pressure gas distribution systems. The Gas Operations Center’s telephone number
is listed in Section 1 – Important Telephone Numbers.
Step A: Compile a list of all gas burning devices and their maximum gas consumption based upon the
manufacturers’ input BTUH ratings. Convert the input rating in BTUH to CFH (cubic feet of gas
per hour) by dividing by 1,000. A list of approximate gas input ratings for typical appliances is
located in Table 5.4.2.1 of the NFPA 54-2006 National Fuel Gas Code.
Step B: Starting with the outlet of the gas meter, make a line diagram of the piping system to each
appliance connection, showing lengths in feet of each pipe segment and gas demand in cubic
feet per hour for each appliance to be connected.
Step C: Determine the demand to be supplied by each pipe segment by adding together the demand of
each appliance served through that pipe segment.
Step D: Determine the length from the gas meter to the farthest appliance connection.
Step E: Select the proper pipe capacity table. Tables 6.1 and 6.2 are provided for schedule 40 metallic
pipe with a three-tenths inch (0.3”) and one-half inch (0.5”) W.C. pressure drop, respectively.
Table 6.3 is provided for corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) pipe with a one-half inch (0.5”)
W.C. pressure drop.
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The one-half inch (0.5”) W.C. pressure drop table should be used for applications where no
additional capacity is expected. The three-tenths inch (0.3”) W.C. pressure drop table should be
used for applications where additional capacity is desired to provide for future expansion or
installation of higher BTUH appliances. Using the appropriate capacity table, select the column
showing the length determined above, or the next greater length if the exact length is not shown.
Step F: For each pipe segment, find the pipe size that has a capacity equal to or greater than the demand
to be carried for the design length determined above.
Find the correct pipe sizes to assure proper operation of the gas appliances in a dwelling equipped with a gas
burning furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, and kitchen range. There are no plans for adding additional appliances
or installing high BTU appliance (e.g., “tankless” hot water heater).
Step A – List the appliances with their BTUH input ratings and determine the gas demand in CFH (cubic feet
per hour).
Note: *For determining meter capacity and service line size, a value of 30 CFH may be used for domestic kitchen
ranges since it is very rare for all burners to be on at full capacity simultaneously. To be consistent with applicable
building codes for house piping, the listed BTUH input rating should be used for sizing house piping.
10’
A 25’ B FRange
5’ 10’
60 CFH
D
Source
(Meter)
10’
Step D - Determine the pipe distance from the meter to the farthest appliance
The farthest appliance is the kitchen range at a distance of 40 feet. Therefore, use 40 feet for sizing all segments.
Since no future increase in gas capacity is anticipated, Table 6.1 (0.5” W.C. pressure drop table) was used.
However, if additional capacity is anticipated, Table 6.2 (0.3” W.C. pressure drop) is recommended. It provides
greater reserve capacity for future or high BTU appliances.
Using Table 6.2 and 40 feet for each segment, determine the size of each pipe segment.
Note: *Pipe sizes smaller than 1/2" IPS are generally not recommended for permanent house line piping inside
buildings.
Table 6.1 – Capacity of Schedule 40 Metallic Pipe, Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
Inlet Pressure: 0.5 psig or Less
Pressure Drop: 0.3 Inches Water Column (W.C.)
Specific Gravity: 0.60
Note: Table 6.1 should be used for applications where additional capacity is expected. It provides for future
expansion or installation of higher BTUH appliances.
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Table 6.2 – Capacity of Schedule 40 Metallic Pipe, Standard Cubic Feet per Hour
Inlet Pressure: 0.5 psig or less
Pressure Drop: 0.5 Inches Water Column (W.C.)
Specific Gravity: 0.60
¼ 43 29 24 20 18 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8
3/8 95 65 52 45 40 36 33 31 29 27 24 22 20 19
½ 175 120 97 82 73 66 61 57 53 50 44 40 37 35
¾ 360 250 200 170 151 138 125 118 110 103 93 84 77 72
1 680 465 375 320 285 260 240 220 205 195 175 160 145 135
1¼ 1,400 950 770 660 580 530 490 460 430 00 360 325 300 280
1½ 2,100 1,460 1,180 990 900 810 750 690 650 620 550 500 460 430
2 3,950 2,750 2,200 1,900 1,680 1,520 1,400 1,300 1,220 1,150 1,020 950 850 800
2½ 6,300 4,350 3,520 3,000 2,650 2,400 2,250 2,050 1,950 1,850 1,650 1,500 1,370 1,280
3 11,000 7,700 6,250 5,300 4,750 4,300 3,900 3,700 3,450 3,250 2,950 2,650 2,450 2,280
4 23,000 15,800 12,800 10,900 9,700 8,800 8,100 7,500 7,200 6,700 6,000 5,500 5,000 4,600
Note: Table 6.2 should be used for applications where no additional capacity is expected. It does not provide for
future expansion or installation of higher BTUH appliances.
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13 46 32 25 22 19 18 15 13 12 11 10 10 9 7
15 63 44 35 31 27 25 21 19 17 16 15 14 13 10
18 115 82 66 58 52 47 41 37 34 31 29 28 26 20
19 134 95 77 67 60 55 47 42 38 36 33 32 30 23
30 471 330 267 231 206 188 162 144 131 121 113 107 101 78
31 546 383 310 269 240 218 188 168 1153 141 132 125 118 91
37 895 639 524 456 409 374 325 292 267 248 232 219 208 171
46 1,790 1,261 1,027 888 793 723 625 559 509 471 440 415 393 320
62 4,142 2,934 2,398 2,078 1,860 1,698 1,472 1,317 1,203 1,114 1,042 983 933 762
Note: Table 6.3 includes losses for four 90-degree bends and two end fittings. Tubing runs with larger numbers of
bends and/or fittings shall be increased by an equivalent length of tubing to the following equation: l = 1.3n where L
is additional length (feet) of tubing and is the number of additional fittings and/or bends.
Note: *EHD – Equivalent Hydraulic Diameter, which is a measure of the relative hydraulic efficiency between
different tubing sizes. The greater the value of EHD, the greater the gas capacity of the tubing.
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CORROSION PREVENTION
7.1 General Corrosion Protection Requirements
7.1.1 Protection for Aboveground Steel Piping
All aboveground steel piping, such as service riser or meter loop piping, installed outdoors or indoors in
damp locations shall be protected from atmospheric corrosion as required by state and federal pipeline
safety regulations.
All underground (i.e., buried) steel piping, such as service lines, shall be mill coated and cathodically
protected as required by state and federal pipeline safety regulations. Similarly, building codes also require
underground steel house lines to be coated and cathodically protected.
A good quality paint intended for exterior use on metal is an acceptable aboveground coating.
i. Pipe
a) All steel pipe used for underground applications shall be purchased with mill applied Fusion
Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coating.
b) Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) is the only approved mill applied coating for steel piping in
underground applications.
a) At pipe joints and where defects in the pipe coating exist, the underground coatings on steel
piping must be one of the approved coatings listed below. For other underground coatings,
the coating must be approved by LG&E prior to its installation.
Poly-Butyl Tape - The tape must have a total thickness of at least 25 mils that shall consist
of a 20 mil tar based mastic or synthetic elastomer coating backed by a polyethylene film.
It is applicable between the temperatures of -20°F and +130°F.
Wax Tape (i.e., Plastic-fiber felt, saturated with a blend of petrolatum waxes, plasticizers
and corrosion inhibitors, forming a tape wrapper)
a. Aboveground Piping
i. Clean the piping surface of all dirt, oil, grease, moisture and other foreign matter. Oil and grease
should be cleaned using a cleaning solvent.
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iii. Remove rust and loose mill scale. Power tool cleaning is recommended. However, hand tool
cleaning (i.e., wire brushing) is acceptable. Use a cleaning solvent as required to ensure a clean
piping surface.
iv. Paint the piping surface with an aboveground coating. Refer to Section 7.2.1.
v. The proper protective clothing, gloves and mask should be worn during the surface preparation and
coating installation process.
i. Poly-Butyl Tape
a) For defects in the coating, remove all damaged coating to a point where it is firmly bonded to
the pipe.
b) Clean the piping surface (i.e., the welded joints and the defects in the coating) of all dirt, oil,
grease, moisture and other foreign matter. Oil and grease should be cleaned using a cleaning
solvent.
c) Remove all rust, paint, and loose mill scale. Power tool cleaning is recommended. However,
hand tool cleaning (i.e., wire brushing) is acceptable. Use a cleaning solvent as required to
ensure a clean piping surface.
d) File or grind smooth all sharp edges or burns to prevent protrusion through the Poly-Butyl tape.
e) Apply a thin uniform coating of primer to the clean piping surface and to the mill coated piping
surfaces within the area to be wrapped. The primer used shall be compatible with the coating.
The piping surface must be moisture free prior to the priming procedure and remain moisture
free throughout application of the Poly-Butyl tape.
f) Allow primed piping surface to dry to a “tacky” stage before application of the Poly-Butyl tape.
g) Apply the Poly-Butyl tape over the weld joint or defect area by using a cigarette wrap. A
cigarette wrap consists of using pre-cut strips of Poly-Butyl tape equal in length to the
circumference of the pipe plus a minimum of four inches (4”).
h) Apply the Poly-Butyl tape over the entire area (including the weld joint) to be wrapped by
spirally wrapping the Poly-Butyl tape around the pipe using a continuous 50% overlap of tape.
The Poly-Butyl tape should be applied under tension. However, the last turn should be applied
without tension. The tension in wrapping should be enough to obtain conformability to the
surface being coated. The Poly-Butyl tape should then be cut on the downside of the turn and
pressed into position.
i) For questions or additional guidance involving the surface preparation and/or the installation of
Poly-Butyl tape, contact the Gas Operations Center in your area.
a) For defects in the coating, remove all damage coating to a point where it is firmly bonded to the
pipe.
b) Clean the piping surface (i.e., the welded joints and the defects in the coating) of all dirt, oil,
grease, moisture and other foreign matter. Oil and grease should be cleaned using a cleaning
solvent.
c) Remove all rust, paint, and loose mill scale. Power tool cleaning is recommended. However,
hand tool cleaning (i.e., wire brushing) is acceptable. Use a cleaning solvent as required to
ensure a clean piping surface.
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d) File or grind smooth all sharp edges or burns to prevent protrusion through the underground
coating.
e) Apply a thin uniform coating of primer to the clean piping surface and to the mill coated piping
surfaces within the area to be wrapped. The primer used shall be compatible with the coating.
While it is preferred that the piping surface be moisture free prior to the priming procedure, a
damp or wet surface is tolerable when applying wax primer and tape. Where moisture is
present, rub and press primer into the piping surface, displacing the moisture and ensuring
that the primer adheres to the piping surface.
f) Apply the wax tape by spirally wrapping the wax tape around the pipe using a 25% overlap
(e.g., using a four inch (4”) inch wax tape, a one inch (1”) overlap is required). Press the wax
tape into place making sure that no air pockets exist and that the wax tape is in contact with the
piping surface. Press and smooth out the lap seams to ensure that the laps are sealed.
g) For questions or additional guidance involving the surface preparation and/or the installation of
wax tape, contact the Gas Operations Center in your area.
Underground mill applied coating shall extend, at a minimum, six inches (6”) above grade on any steel
piping that enters or leaves the ground.
b. The bottom of the ditch must be free of rocks or foreign objects that may damage the coating. In
addition, backfill shall be free of rocks or debris that may damage the coating. For more detail on
backfill and trench bottom conditions, refer to Section 3.10.2 a. – BackFill and Trench Bottom
Requirements.
7.3.2 Dielectric couplings, dielectric unions, or dielectric flanges may be used at each point the protected piping
extends out of or into the ground.
7.4 Anodes
7.4.1 General
a. Cathodic protection can normally be provided to the coated and electrically isolated underground steel
piping by means of a magnesium anode.
b. Magnesium anodes have an insulated lead wire that must be electrically attached to the protected
piping by thermite welding, brazing, or with an approved mechanical grounding clamp.
c. The connection to the piping must be coated with an approved mastic or with tape and primer in the
same manner as a joint or defect in the coating.
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a. For maximum effectiveness, one five pound (5 lbs) standard potential magnesium anode should be
used for each 50 foot (50’) section of underground steel piping.
b. To the extent practice, the anodes should be evenly spaced over the length of the piping being
protected.
Anodes should be installed vertically at least three feet (3’) away from the piping with the top of the anode
even with or lower than the elevation of the buried piping. See Drawing No. GCS 50-20-801, Vertical
Installation Anode and Test Station, for recommended anode installation method.
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8.2.2 The installer has the responsibility of obtaining the necessary permits and post installation inspections.
8.4.1 Test final gas connections and burner train for leaks.
Using leak detecting solution or a sensitive electronic gas detecting instrument, check all final pipe
connections downstream of the manual valve on the house line, including the appliance control valve and
burner train. Repair any leaks.
a. Check the input BTUH rate with the appliance operating at full capacity.
b. Do not allow firing rate to exceed the nameplate input rating for the appliance.
c. Adjust appliance pressure regulator or change orifices per manufacturers’ instructions if necessary.
Instructions for timing the gas meter to determine firing rate are in Section 9.4 of this Handbook.
Visually observe flames for proper characteristics and adjust and secure air shutters if necessary.
Gas valves, electronic ignition, high temperature limit controls, flame sensing devices, and other safety
controls shall be checked in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Any defective controls must be
properly repaired or replaced.
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a. With appliance in normal operation for several minutes and with doors and windows closed, check for
effective chimney performance.
b. Perform match test at draft hood relief opening. A lighted match passed directly beneath the opening
should continue to burn with flame and smoke drawn to the opening. If the match is extinguished, or the
flame and smoke are blown away, combustion fumes are spilling out of the opening indicating that the
chimney is not effectively venting.
c. Where two or more appliances are vented through a common flue, check all draft hoods.
d. Do not continue to operate an appliance that is not properly venting. Corrections must be made for safe
operation.
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METER INFORMATION
9.1 How to Read Your Meter
Your natural gas meter is an accurate automatic measuring instrument. It measures the
natural gas used to operate all of your natural gas appliances (e.g., hot water heater,
furnace, range, etc.) by counting the filling and emptying of the compartments inside the meter. The
natural gas used is measured in units of hundred standard cubic feet. A standard cubic foot is the volume
of gas at a specific pressure (i.e., (4) ounces (i.e., 0.25 psig)) and temperature (i.e., sixty degrees
Fahrenheit (60ºF)).
The amount of gas measured is displayed on the meter index. The meter index is located on the front of
the meter and may consist of either dials or an odometer. It consists of a reading and test portion. The
reading portion will be described in the “Reading Dial Type Index Meters” and “Reading Odometer Type
Index Meters”. The test portion is used for the following four applications:
Your consumption can be determined by subtracting your previous meter reading from your present
meter reading. This amount will give you the volume of gas used in units of hundred cubic feet (CCF).
Normally, an dial type index will have four (4) dials in a horizontal line with the dials labeled from left to
right as “1 million,” “100 thousand,” “10 thousand,” and “1 thousand,”. These four dials are used in
reading the meter.
Also, the index will have two dials labeled “half foot” and “two foot”. The dials are used for meter tests
and should be ignored in reading the meter.
To read your dial type index meter, look at the four dials with their curved arrows. Read the dials from
right to left as follows:
2. When a dial pointer is between two numbers, always record the number that the pointer has passed,
which will always be the smaller number of the two numbers.
3. If a dial pointer is directly on a number, check the dial immediately to the right. The pointer on the
right dial must have reached or passed zero to record the number on the left dial. If the pointer on the
right dial has not passed zero, use the smaller number from the left dial.
Following these guidelines, the correct reading for the meter dial shown above is 1094 hundred cubic feet
(CCF):
The odometer type index is a direct read. It reads like an odometer on a car. However, instead of
measuring miles traveled, it measures the amount of natural gas used. Similarly, to a dial type index, it
also will have two dials labeled “half foot” and “two foot”. The dials are used for meter tests and should
be ignored in reading the meter.
To read your odometer type index meter, read the number displayed. Each of the number would
correlate to one of the four dials illustrated above.
Following these guidelines, the correct reading for the meter dials shown above is 1094 hundred cubic
feet (CCF):
a. Completely shut off all connected gas utilizing devices, including their pilot lights if so equipped.
b. Shut off all manual valves preceding connected gas utilizing devices.
c. Mark the position of the test hand on the meter index glass. A felt tip pen, wax pencil, etc., may be
used.
d. Observe the test hand for a minimum of ten minutes; any movement indicates that a leak exists.
e. Locate and identify leaks so that proper repair or replacement can be implemented. To locate gas
leaks, only use gas leak detecting solution or gas detecting instruments. Never use a match or open
flame to locate gas leaks.
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9.3.2 If a major leak is suspected, do not perform the above test. Call the LG&E Gas Emergency Service at
(502) 589-5511.
9.3.3 If you should shut off the service valve preceding the meter because of a suspected leak, do not turn it on
after the leak has been repaired. Notify LG&E. LG&E will confirm that the house line system is free from
leaks and then turn on the gas.
a. Turn off all appliances or devices not to be included in the test. For most accurate results, shut off
their pilot lights.
c. Observe the test dial. Using a stop watch or conventional watch, count the number of revolutions of
the test hand that occur in one minute, or time the number of seconds required for one or more
complete revolutions.
N F 3600
Q
t
Where: Q = Flow rate of gas in cubic feet per hour (CFH)
N = Number of turns of the test hand
F = Volume in cubic feet for one turn of the test hand (Most residential
meters have a 1/2 cubic foot test dial.)
t = Measured time in seconds
Note: If the gas is being delivered at a pressure other than the standard pressure (i.e., 4 ounces), a
multiplier must be applied. For assistance, consult the Gas Operations Center in your area.
e. To determine the BTUH input for the device being tested, multiply the above flow rate by one
thousand. While this value is an approximation, it is a conservative value because the BTU content
for the natural gas delivered by LG&E is guaranteed to be a minimum of 1,000 BTU per standard
cubic foot. Normally, the BTU content is slightly higher.
9.4.2 Upon completion of the test, return other appliances to normal operation.
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Gas Inspection Requests
LG&E Residential Service
Fax: (502) 333-1823
Plumber’s name:
Fifth Edition - May 2011
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Requested by:
Gas Inspection Request
Full Address
House # Lot # Street Name Zip Subdivision Name Cross Street LG&E LG&E
Code OK NO
Conf. # METER
ORDER
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
65
Note: If more than one (1) meter per service, please note on address.
Customer Gas Piping Handbook
Fifth Edition - May 2011
A fifteen foot (15’) wide gas easement parallel and adjacent to the south property line as shown by the hatched
area on the LG&E drawing, attached hereto and made a part hereof. Said easement shall be maintained and
preserved in its present condition and no change in grade or elevation will be made without the express consent
in writing of the Company.
Title to which was acquired by us by Deed dated the _____ day of _____________, ______ and recorded in
Deed Book _____, Page ______, and recorded in the Office of the County Court of Jefferson County,
Kentucky. There shall be no buildings or structures erected within the limits of this easement. The
Company is further granted the right of ingress and egress over the lands of the undersigned to and from
said line in the exercise of this easement and is further granted the right to do all reasonably necessary
trimming and removal of trees and branches for the proper clearance of said line or lines.
The gas service, or services, shall be extended to a point in a location designated by the Company.
It is further agreed that the Company, at its option, will either repair, restore or pay to the undersigned for damages
that may be caused by the Company in the exercise of this easement.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, witness the signatures of the undersigned this ____ day of _______________, 200__.
_____________________________________
Signature
____________________________________
Signature
_____________________________________
Address
Agent:
Job #:
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Gas Service Handbook DETAIL OF INSERT PROTECTOR & SLEEVE GCS - 20 20 004
FOR POLYETHYLENE INSERTION Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1
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NOTE:
PLUMBING SUPPLIERS DO NOT HAVE GREEN ELEVATED
PRESSURE REGULATORS. CUSTOMER SHOULD PURCHASE
MEDIUM PRESSURE MODEL. LG&E WILL SWAP OUT NEW
REGULATOR AT TIME OF SERVICE ACTIVATION.
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Gas Service Handbook 1" METER LOOP WITH BY-PASS GCS - 30 20 301
Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 1/2/03 CLARK None 1 of 1
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NOTES:
TOP VIEW
10"
1
BUILDING
LINE
GRADE
SERVICE
TO BE SIZED
7
OLD DRAWING - 2144
TITLE: Revision:
Distribution Operations Title:
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NOTES:
1 Master valve required, Tamperproof, 100 PSIG minimum rating
2 Minimum center to center distance between meter risers 16" if both meter loops are 1" pipe size,
24" if either or both meter loops are 1 1/2" pipe size.
3 Bypass valve on service line side not required on every bypass loop if a service line bypass
connection is accessible on a neighboring loop within 48"
4 Minimum manifold size is 1" nominal iron pipe size, larger if required to supply gas demand.
5 Support with split ring clamps or equivalent. Each riser must be supported near top.
Support must be adequate to bear weight of meters and piping plus all anticipated external forces.
Stand off from wall nominal 3" to 5".
Meter Loop #3
Meter Loop #2
3
Meter Loop #1 Meter Loop #4
2 4 5
12" MIN.
1
GRADE
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GRADE
MASTER
VALVE
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1' to 3'
2" X 6"
TREATED LUMBER 2" PIPE ATTACH APROVED
SUPPORT FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR
TO MOBILE HOME
2" STEEL PIPE SUPPORT
SPLIT
RING
MOBILE HOME WALL
2" X 6"
TREATED LUMBER
2" X 6"
TREATED LUMBER
SEE INSERT "A"
2" PIPE OR PREFABRICATED
SPLIT RING GAS METER SUPPORT STAKES.
(TREATED LUMBER IS NOT
TO BE USED.)
6" MIN
GRADE
TRACER WIRE
18" MIN
POLYETHYLENE
SERVICE
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NOTES:
1. Prefabricated meter set, see Drawings GCS-30 30 201 thru GCS-30 30 203.
2. Gas valve, tamperproof, lockwing, 100 PSI or greater, size as required. For Master Valve requirements.
Refer to GCS 30-10-002.
3. Support brackets, split ring clamp or equivalent, 4" to 5" from wall to center pipe typical.
4. Standard fittings, threaded malleable iron or forged steel class 150 or higher; socket weld or
welded end fittings as applicable, size as required.
5. Schedule 40 steel pipe, minimum 1" nominal size, larger if necessary to satisfy load requirements.
A - Split ring clamp or equivalent required on service line side of each meter set, near top.
B - Service regulator furnished with prefabricated meter set. Regulator must match service line system
pressure rating. Grey regulator, 1/8" orifice required for medium pressure, green regulator ½" X 9/16"
orifice required for elevated pressure. No regulator for low pressure.
C - Each meter set must be tagged to identify customer or property unit served.
2
ABOVE GRADE
5'-0" MAXIMUM
3
1 C C C C
2'-3"
A
2
3
12" MIN
CLEARANCE
GRADE
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3'-0
"R
AD
IUS
SERVICE LINE
1'-0" 1'-0"
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Gas Service Handbook METER RISER FOR USE WITH GCS - 30 20 004 A
POLYETHYLENE GAS SERVICE LINE Date: Drawn By: Scale Sheet:
Louisville Gas & Electric Company 01/20/06 CLARK/STRATMAN None 1 of 1
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GRADE LEVEL
ANNODELESS RISER
18"
TRACING WIRE MIN.
APPROVED PLASTIC TO
PLASTIC MECHANICAL
COUPLING OR HEAT FUSION JOINT
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O LD DR A W IN G - A 13661
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NOTES:
* 2 1/2 PSIG GAS NOT TO ENTER BUILDING.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBLE FOR SIZING,
MAINTENANCE AND PROPER OPERATION OF
ALL REGULATORS DOWNSTREAM OF
METER.
INSERT "A"
(TOP VIEW)
FLOW
(FRONT VIEW)
REGULATOR
TITLE: Revision:
Distribution Operations Title:
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